natural products can be effective (Herbalism)

Member Name: mjc121

Product:	Herbalism
Date:	16/03/09 (128 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: less need for chemicals

Disadvantages: not a substitute a visit to the doctors

Well as I'm currently beginning the studying herbalism etc, my biology degree possibly sparked some of my interest in this, I thought I'd go into some of the uses and benefits of some of the herbs and spices which we all commonly use. The effects vary from person to person and if you are on any prescribed medication you should always talk to your GP before taking any supplements containing herbs and spices. Whilst any interfering with each other is rare it is best to be safe. One known example is that St John's wort will stop the contraceptive pill from working properly.


Also if you are pregnant you should check with your GP which are safe to use, this may change at different stages.


One of my favourites is ginger. Recent studies have shown ginger to be an effective anti-inflammatory as well as being an aid to digestion and helping relieve sea-sickness and the nausea in early pregnancy (sipping flat non-alcoholic ginger ale is supposed to be the best for this). Whilst this can be taken in capsule form my favourite way of consuming ginger is to either use fresh ginger in my cooking or add a small amount to my juicer when I'm blitzing up some apples and oranges. As it's an anti-inflammatory it may help with some forms of arthritis.

Turmeric can be used as a replacement for saffron and it's far cheaper. Although it's strong earthy taste can be overpowering if too much is used. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds called curcuminoids it also has rich stores of antioxidants which can help protect the body from attack by damaging cancer causing free radicals. As a natural anti-inflammatory, turmeric is also useful for joint problems such as aching, swelling and stiffness. It is also believed to have some antiseptic properties.

Cinnamon a very versatile spice and has been shown that it can help to regulate blood sugar and help to lower cholesterol as well as helping digestion. Whilst dairy should be avoided when you have catarrh if this is not what you are suffering from try sprinkling a bit of cinnamon on the top of a cappuccino in place of the chocolate.


Garlic well most of us believe we are aware of the benefits of garlic, however, the most recent studies have shown the effect garlic has on cholesterol is actually minimal and the effect on blood pressure was next to nothing. That being said garlic still has some effect on reducing the formation of blood clots hence can help in reducing the risk of heart attacks. There are some studies on garlic lowering the risk of cancer - but this fresh garlic not supplements. Garlic is antiviral and antibacterial and so can help prevent or fight infection (so can most members of the onion family). The main problem with garlic is the garlic breath we are left with. Eating parsley after garlic may help reduce this. Word of warning - if you are on blood thinning medication garlic may increase the effect of these so check with your GP before using it.

WARNING - making your own version of storing chopped garlic in oil can be dangerous as any soil sticking to the garlic may contain spores of Clostridium botulinum. These can germinate and cause a deadly form of food poisoning without any off smell, taste or appearance. Commercial ones are perfectly safe if they contain preservatives such as salt or acids.

(microbiology was a favorite area of mine during my degree)

Thyme and Rosemary - are other favourites of mine, in my cooking at any rate, they both act as an antiseptic and an infusion of thyme and rosemary can be used as a herbal mouthwash. This is good as it will contain no alcohol and it is less likely to sting.

Sage - this can help the digestion of rich food and it can help to sooth indigestion. An infusion used to gargle with can help sooth a sore throat and a sage tea can be used to help reduce excessive sweating.

To make an infusion use 1 heaped tsp of the dried herb or 2 heaped tsp of fresh to a cup of boiling water and leave for 5 - 10 min then strain and either use as a tea and drink it hot or let it cool and use as a mouthwash. Any infusions containing oregano must be avoided whist pregnant.

Coriander is one of the main spices in a curry and the leaves are also used. Both of them can be used and a tonic for the stomach and the seeds and leaves can be used to help to treat urinary infections.

Mint a favourite of many people. Mint can be used to help with digestion and reduce flatulence if taken about 20min before eating.

There are lots of other herbs that can be used in medicine but at the moment I'm studying the herbs used in cooking. I'll keep this updated as I continue my studies into this.

Summary: Natural products can work for some with less side effects